Sporting success celebrated at the 2025 TEAMBrookes Sports Awards

On Friday 2 May, we celebrated an incredible year of sport at the 2025 TEAMBrookes Sports Awards.
Recognising our student-athletes, coaches, teams and clubs across Oxford Brookes’ vibrant sporting community.Over 2,200 students took part in the sports programme this year, with more than 1,500 proudly representing Oxford Brookes in competition. From title-winning teams to standout individuals, the awards showcased the depth of talent and passion within our sporting community.
Performance highlights
It was another exceptional year packed with silverware and standout results.Six BUCS teams were crowned League Champions: American Football, Men’s Badminton, Women’s Hockey 3rd Team, Men’s Rugby Union 1st Team, Men’s Rugby League and Men’s Water Polo.
There was also national and cup success. Our Men’s Clay Pigeon Shooting Team were crowned BUCS National Champions in November, with Jacob O’Loughlin taking the individual title (High Gun) and Ed Hall finishing second. Infinity, one of our Cheerleading teams, were named University National Champions and the Polo Club celebrated victory at the Winter SUPA Competition.
Five teams reached BUCS Conference Cup finals: Men’s Rugby Union 1st and 2nd Teams, Women’s Rugby Union, Rugby League and Men’s Water Polo, with the Men’s Rugby Union 1st Team and Men’s Water Polo both lifting the trophy.
Varsity glory returned to Headington too, with a commanding 20–8 victory over the University of Reading, extending our overall Varsity record to 10–2.
Award winners and shortlists
The TEAMBrookes Sports Awards celebrates not only elite performance but also the individuals and clubs making a lasting impact on their communities.Marc Thompson Personality of the Year
Winner: Olivia May (Netball) - For her inclusive leadership and positive, lasting impact as club president.Shortlist: Lily Read (Basketball), Stephen Webber (Rugby League), Lucy Hardman (Women’s Rugby), Olivia May (Netball)
Coach of the Year
Winner: Calvin Stitt (American Football) - Led his team to an undefeated season and cup win, a testament to his leadership and vision.Shortlist: Aaryaman Pandya (Football), Thea Miles (Women’s Rugby), Calvin Stitt (American Football), Garin Nicholls (Rugby League), Graham Charlesworth (Cricket)
Wellbeing Award
Winner: Jessica Welford (Women’s Rugby Union) - Created a safe, inclusive and supportive space for her teammates while championing wellbeing throughout the year.Shortlist: Miles Blatter (Tennis), Jessica Welford (Women’s Rugby Union), Flori Smith (Hockey), Max Greasby (American Football)
Newcomer of the Year
Winner: Ahmed Khan (Cricket) - A breakout debut season, taking 28 wickets and securing a national title.Shortlist: Ahmed Khan (Cricket), Lauren Heppell (Swimming), Kyrese Holmes (American Football), Layla Marwat (Basketball)
Sportswoman of the Year
Winner: Frankie Allen (Rowing) - Paralympic gold medallist in the PR3 Mixed Coxed Four, setting a new world and Paralympic record.Shortlist: Minagi Rupesinghe (Swimming), Frankie Allen (Rowing), Cara Gatiss (Touch Rugby), Charlotte Blurton (Women’s Rugby), Ellie Mathews (Lacrosse)
Sportsman of the Year
Winner: George Eyston (Shooting) - Secured silver at the FISU World Championships, showcasing precision and discipline on the international stage.Shortlist: Necati Hassan (Boxing), Mohammad Reza Qahramany (Taekwondo), George Eyston (Shooting), Oscar Wellbelove (Handball), Jacob O’Loughlin (Shooting)
Small Club of the Year
Winner: Swimming - A breakout year, with multiple records broken despite facing facility setbacks.Shortlist: Polo, Judo, Swimming, Touch Rugby, Equestrian
Team of the Year
Winner: Men’s Cricket UCCE - A standout season culminating in a national championship title at Lord’s.Shortlist: Men’s Rugby League, American Football, Men’s Cricket UCCE, Men’s Rugby Union 1st Team, Men’s Water Polo
Club of the Year
Winner: Netball - Made an exceptional impact on and off the court. Volunteering with KEEN to deliver inclusive netball sessions for young people with disabilities, raising over £3,000 for Movember and growing club membership by over 25%.Shortlist: Tennis, Badminton, Padel, Swimming, Touch Rugby, Rugby Union, Cricket, American Football
Special recognitions
The evening also honoured several individuals whose contributions went above and beyond.Kim Slessor was recognised for her incredible strength and determination in returning to sport while undergoing cancer treatment, a powerful example of resilience and community.
A special thanks to Dan and Becky, new members of the Brookes Sport team this year, whose passion and fresh perspective have helped drive an exceptional student sports programme.
The Student Sport Advisory Group were also thanked for their leadership and guidance throughout the year: Lily Read, Eleanor Neal, Raquel Middleton, Stephen Webber, Malachai Broderick, Kaheim Campbell-Hamilton, and Joseph Augustine.
The 2025 TEAMBrookes Sports Awards captured the very best of Oxford Brookes: teamwork, talent, resilience and a shared love of sport. Congratulations to all nominees, winners and teams. Here’s to another phenomenal year ahead.